Closure lining machine



Aug. 26, 1952 POWERS 2,608,177

CLOSURE-LINING MACHINE Filed April 25, 1949 (2;!SON POWERS lwz. +I 6-- atto'mm Patented Aug. 26, 1952 CLOSURE LINING MACHINE Edison Powers, East Lampeter Township, Lancaster County, Pa., assignor to Armstrong Cork Company, Lancaster, Pa., a

Pennsylvania corporation of Application April 25, 1949, Serial No. 89,480

10 Claims. 1

The present invention relates to a. device for lining closures and is directed more particularly to a lining device of the type in which a sealing compound is deposited in the open top of a closure shell. The device is particularly useful in depositing an annular ribbon of plastic sealing compound into the top of a crown closure. The invention will be applicable, however, for use in the lining of closures generally, including metal lug and screw threaded closures, as well as crowns and metal can ends and the like.

The lining of closures of various sorts with lining compounds is quite generally practiced, and there are a number of automatic devices available for performing the lining operation. One of the most perplexing problems has been to provide a mechanism which will deliver the relatively viscous lining compound in such a manner that the deposited layer will be of relatively uniform width and thickness. General practice is to apply the material in' a narrow annular zone adjacent to the line of joining between the top and skirt of the closure shell. Where a recess is provided for the reception of the lining compound, this problem is not so important as it is in crown closures and the like Where such recess normally is not provided.

Another problem arises by reason of the failure of the machines currently used to properly deposit the composition without an overlap. The machines are generally arranged to deposit the lining compound onto the shell while the shell is revolved and to cut off the supply of compound as the shell completes its revolution; but with the devices now used, it has not been possible to accurately control the starting of the flow of the lining compound or the stopping of the flow. As a consequence, it has been found impracticable to avoid an overlap. Where the overlap has been extensive, unsatisfactory sealing has frequently resulted.

An object of the invention is to provide a device which will be effective for depositing an annular ribbon of lining compound of uniform width and factorily lined closure.

The device of the present invention includes as its essential elements a closure support and a liner compound feeder which includes a delivery nozzle having one or more delivery ports therein, a chamber for the reception of sealing compound communicating with said nozzle through a rotary control valve. The valve and nozzle-are so constructed and arranged that the delivery of the sealing compound is accurately controlled both in volume delivered and in time of delivery. Means are provided for imparting a relative rotary motion between the feeding device and the closure to be lined, and this is preferably in the nature of a mechanism for imparting a rotary motion to the closure support.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the attached drawing, in which the various views are generally diagrammatic in nature and in which:

Figure 1 is an elevational view showing the device of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along the line IIII of Figure 1; and I Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along the line III-III of Figure 1.

In the drawing, the closure support has been indicated at 2 and the feeder at 3. The closure to be lined has been designated by the numeral 4. A crown closure has been chosen for purpose of illustration. i

In the embodiment illustrated, the closure support 2 is mounted in a table 5 which may be moved to bring the support 2 with a closure shell 4 thereon into operative position below the feeder 3. Preferably the table 5 is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis, and a plurality of supports 2 are provided adjacent to the periphery of the table 5. This is not important, however, and the supports may be moved into position under the feeder 3 by a chain conveyor or otherwise. If desired, a single station machine may be employed, in Which event the table 5 would not move horizontally with respect to the feeder 3.

In the embodiment shown, the support 2 is arranged for rotation in an annular recess 6 provided in the table 5; and such motion is effected through a gear 1 which is affixed to a stud shaft 8 attached to the support 2. A spur gear 9 meshes with the gear I and is effective for imparting a rotary motion to the support 2. The support 2 may be rotated continuously while the shell 4 is in the lining station; or the support 2 may be given but a single revolution or a portion of a revolution while in the lining station,

as will be more fully described hereinafter.

The feeder 3 consists essentially of a casing l0 which is provided with a counterbore ll. A counterbore i2 is provided in the lower face of the casing I and receives a nozzle I3 which is held in position by set screws I4 and I5. In the embodiment illustrated, the nozzle I3 is provided with four discharge orifices I6 which are formed in the nozzle and extend throughout the depth thereof and open into the face I! of the nozzle. One or more such orifices may be provided; and where more than oneis provided, each should be spaced equidistantly, both circumferentially and radially of the nozzle at the face I! thereof.

Fitted within the central bore II is a rotary valve member I8. The outer surface of the valve member IB forms a close fit with the inner surface of the bore II, except at channels I.9 which extend axially of the member I8 and are spaced and positioned so that in one position of the rotary member I8 each of the channels I9 will overlie one of the outlet ports I6. It will be observed that the rotary member It does not completely fill the bore H. The portion 20 above .the rotary member I.& thus constitutes. a chambe: for the reception of sealing. compound which is preferably delivered into the chamber 20 through a connection 2| and. is under pressure. A cover plate 22 is fastened to the casing I0 and chases. the top of the bore LI. and constitutes the Wei the chamber 20..

The matching surfaces S of the nozzle I3. and

the: rotary member [-8 are preferably ground so as toprovide a smooth engagement between such surtaces during, rotary motion of the member I8 and thus avoid any substantial quantity of lining compound becoming, lodged between the matching surfaces- In order to provide. close contact. between the surface S. of the rotary member I8 and the nozzle I3, alockingcollar 2.3

is provided on a shaft. 24 formed integrally with the rotary member I8 or afiixed thereto.

By reference.- to. Figures. 2 and 3. it will. be. observed that, with the parts. in the position shown, sealing compound in the, chamber 20 and. preferably under pressure will flow axially along the passageways I9 formed in the rotary member I8 and then through the discharge orifices I6 of the nozzle I3 into the. shell 4, which is inv rotation feeding of the composition. Upon rotation of the member I8, however, the passageways I9 will move out of register with the orifices. I6,

and the passage of sealing compound through the nozzle. will be discontinued. By having fiat,

true, matching surfaces S on the rotary member I8 and the nozzle I3, a. sharp positive cutoff of the supply of sealing compound is assured. Preferred practice is to have the passageways I9 of slightly greater width than the diameter of the orifices I6, but this. is not essential.

In Figures 1 and 2 there has been disclosed a mechanism for imparting a slight motion of rotation to the member I8 sufficient to move the passageways IQ of the rotary member I8 into and out of register with the discharge orifices It or the nozzle I3. A gear 25 is mounted on the shaft 24; and there is a meshing pinion gear 26 for the gear 25, the gear 26 being connected to a rotary solenoid 21- which is eifective upon energization to impart a rotary motion to the gear M sumclent to bring the rotary member I8' from inoperative to operative position as shown in Figure 2. Upon de-energization of the rotary solenoid 21', aspring return is' provided for counter rotating the gear 26, returning the rotary' member I8 to inoperative position.

In one mode of operating the device, the sup port 2 will be continuously rotated beneath the nozzle I} with a shell 4 to be linedidisposed'therebelow. This rotation may be effected by rotary means M. A timer 28 will be provided for timing the energization of the rotary solenoid 21 to supply current thereto for a period of time suflicient to permit the delivery of sealing compound necessary to form a complete annulus of sealingcompound within the closure shell as indicated at 29 in Figure 2. With four discharge orifices I6 as shown in the embodiment chosen for illustration, the timing of the rotary solenoid 21 will be such that the flow of lining compound will continue only during one quarter of a. revolution. of the support 2. Assuming that the support isrotated one revolution in one-half second. the.- rotary solenoid 21 will be timed so as to permit the flow of sealing compound through the orifices IE for one-eighth of a second. Since the orifices are uniformly spaced, both radially and circumferentially, there will be no overlap of the composition in the annulus; and because of the sharp cutoff action, a. substantially uniform. thickness of composition. will be applied in a uniform. width, eliminating thin areas at. the start of the feeding and thick areas at the points of discontinuance.

If' desired, of course, the. support 2 may be movedthrough only a portion of a revolution and such. rotary motion. timed with respect to the rotation of the valve member [8. For example, with the. embodiment shownin Figure 2, the support may be rotated one-fourth of a. revolution and such rotation so. timed that the start of motion. coincides. with the. delivery of sealing compound tothe shell. This. may be accomplished in any desired manner such as by interconnecting the rotating means M and timer 28 as indicated. by the dotted leads in Figure 1..

In the drawing, the orifices i6 are disposed closely adjacent to. the periphery at. the surface I1, and that surface is generally flat throughout its extent. The disposition of the orifices and their size will depend upon the position the annulus. of sealing, compound is. to assumev in the closure and the volume of compound in the. annulus. If desired,,the surface I! may be undercut to leave a, raised rib in which the orifices terminate, and the orifices, may be directed radially outwardly where it. is desired to direct the compound into the angle formed at the. juncture of the top and skirt portions of the closure. The particular shape, size, and disposition of the oriflees and the shape and dimensions of the nozzle will be dictated by the, shape andv size of the closures to belined; the location in which the liner is to be. formed in the closure, the desired shape of. the liner, and other variable factors.

In the drawing, the shell is shown spaced from the nozzle. a distance suflicient to permit clearance during motion. of the table 5. It is desirable to. provide a mechanism for elevating the support 2 or lowering the feeder 3, so as to bring the nozzle. I3 to a position within the. shell 4 Just above the inner head surface. thereof. Such elevating mechanism may be in the nature. of a cam, such as diagrammatically illustrated at 30 in the. drawing, effective for elevating the support.

It will be clear from the foregoing that the. device of this invention is relatively simple in construction, having a minimum number of moving parts. It provides a quick and positive arrange.- ment for the delivery of sealing compound and avoids the problems heretofore. encountered in closure lining, particularly the problems of overlapping and the non-uniform deposit. of viscous sealing compounds.

" -While there has been illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise embodied and prac' ticed Within the scope of the following claims.

I claim: I H

1. In a device for applying an annular ribbon of sealing compound to the head of a container closure, the combination of: a rotatableclosure support upon which a closure to be treated may be positioned with its open side disposed upwardly, a chamber for the reception of sealing compound, a nozzle having a plurality of delivery orifices substantially uniformly spaced radially and circumferentially with respect to the axis of said rotatable closure support for the delivery of sealing compound from said chamber into the open top of the closure on said support as a narrow ribbon, and a valve interposed between said "chamber and the delivery orifices of said nozzle;

said valve comprising a rotatable member with a plurality of discharge ports extending from said nozzle to said chamber for the-delivery of sealing compound from said chamber to said nozzle orifices when the valve is in operative position,

said rotatable valvemembcr into and out of operative position.

2. In a device for applying an annular ribbon of sealing compound to the head of a container closure, the combination of: a rotatable closure support upon which a closure to be treated may be positioned with its open side'disposed upwardly, means for rotating said closure support, a sealing compound deliverydevice mounted above said closure support and comprising a casing having a cylindrical bore therein, the axis of whichcoincides with the axis of rotation of said rotatable closure support, a portion of said bore constituting a chamber for the reception of sealing compound, a nozzle at'the base of said chamber having a plurality of delivery orifices substantially uniformly spaced radially and circumferenti-ally with respect to the axis of said rotatable closure support, and a rotary valve disposed in said bore above said nozzle, said valve comprising a member rotatable in said bore-and having a plurality of discharge ports extending from said chamber to said nozzle orifices when thevalve is inoperative position and having a sealing surface which covers the nozzle orifices when the valve is in inoperative position, and means for rotating said rotatable member into and out of operative position in timed relationship with the rota-tion of said closure support to deposit a ribbon of sealing compound from the nozzle orifices into the open end of the closure on said rotating support without substantial overlap.

3. In a' device for applying sealing compound to the head of a container closure, the combination of: a rotatable closure support upon which a closure to be lined may be positioned with its open side disposed upwardly and a sealing compound feeding device for depositing sealing compound into a closure on said support, said feeding device comprising a casing for the reception of sealing compound, a delivery nozzle on the casing having a plurality of delivery orifices therein substantially uniformly spaced radially and circumferentially with respect to the axis of said rotatable closure support, and a rotary valve in said casing having a plurality of discharge ports therein in open communication with said delivery orifices to discharge sealing compound from said easing into said delivery orifices when the valve is in operative position and a sealing surface on said rotary valve to cover said delivery orifices when the valve is in inoperative position.

'4. In a device for applying sealing compound to the head of a container closure, the combination of: a casing for the reception of sealing compound, a delivery nozzle attached to the casing and having a plurality of delivery orifices therein, and a rotary valve in said casing having a plurality of discharge ports therein in open communication with said delivery orifices to discharge sealing compound from said casing into the delivery orifices when the valve is in operative position, a substantially fiat surface on said nozzle disposed Within said chamber, and a matching fiat surface on said rotary valve, the delivery orifices in the nozzle terminating in said fiat surface of the nozzle and the discharge ports in the valve terminating in said matching fiat surface of the rotary valve, said matching fiat surface of the rotary valve overlying the delivery orifices in the nozzle when the valve is in inoperative position.

5. In a device for applying an annular ribbon of sealing compound to the head of a container closure, the combination of: a rotatable closure support upon which a closure to be treated may be positioned with its open side disposed upwardly; means for rotating said support; a sealing compound feeding device mounted above said support for depositing sea-ling compoundin a closure on said support during rotation of said support, said feeding device comprising achamber for the reception of sealing com-pound, a, delivery nozzle having a plurality of delivery orifices substantially uniformly spaced radially and circumferentially with respect to the axis of said rotatable closures-upport, and a rotary valve for controlling the flow of sealing compound from said chamber through said nozzle; and means for actuating said rotary valve in timed relationship a with the rotation of said closure support to supply a ribbon of lining compound to a closure on said support.

6. In a device for applying an annular ribbon of sealing compound to the head of a container closure, the combination of: a rotatable closure support upon which a closure to be treated may be positioned with is topen side up; means for rotating said support; a sealing compound feeding device mounted above said closure support and comprising a chamber for the reception of sealing compound under pressure, a delivery nozzle having a plurality of delivery orifices therein spaced uniformly both radially and circumferentially of the nozzle, and a rotary valve for controlling the fiow of sealing compound from the source of supply of sealing compound under pressure to said delivery orifices; and means for actuating said rotary valve in timed relationship with the rotation of said closure support to bring said valve into operative position to deliver sealing compound to said delivery orifices for a period of time substantially equivalent to the time required for the support to move a closure disposed there on a distance equivalent to the circumferential distance between delivery orifices.

7. In a device for applying an annular ribbon of sealing compound to the circular head of a container closure, the combination of: a closure support upon which the closure to be lined is positioned to receive sealing compound; a sealin: compoimd feeding mounted above said deluxe support and comprising. a delivery nozzle a plurality of delivery orifices therein spaced uniformly circumferentially of the nozzle and a rotary valve. for controlling the flow of sealing compound from a source of supply of scaling compound under pressure to said delivery orifices; means for: effecting a relative rotary motion between said closure support and said nozzle; and means for actuating said rotary valve in timed relationship with the: relative roof: said support and feeding device. to deliver scaling compound from. said delivery orifices toa. closure on. said support for aperiod of timesubstantially equivalent to the time re.- quired for the relative. motion of. said support and {coding device to cause each of said orifices to traverse the circumferential distance between stidoriiices.

8. a-device for applying a ribbon of: sealing compound to the: head of a container closure, the combination of; a rotatable. closure support upon which a closure to be treated may be posiwith its open side up; a sealing compound feeding device mounted for the delivery of sealing compound into a closure on said support, said device comprising a. delivery nozzle having a plurality of delivery orifices therein substantially uniformly spaced radially and circumferentially with respect to. the axis. of said. rotatable closure support and a rotary valve controlling the flow of sealing compound from. a source of supply of sealing compound under pressure to said delivery orifice; means for rotating said closure support; means operably connected to said rotary valve for opening and closing, the same; and timing means for controlling the actuation of. said rotary valve, whereby said valve may he opened for a period of time sufli'cient f deliver a ribbon of sealing compound to a closure rotating with said support and may be discontinued upon the formation of a complete annular ribbon within the head of the closure without overlap regardless of the duration of rotation of the support thereafter.

9. In a device for applying an annular ribbon of sealing compound to the head of a container closure, the combination of: a rotatable closure support upon which a closure to be treated may be positioned with its open side up; means for "rotating said support; means for bringing said rotatable support into operative relationship with a sealing compound feeding device mounted above said closure support, said feeding device comprising a delivery nozzle having a plurality or delivery orifices therein spaced uniformly circumferentially of the nozzle and a rotary valve-for controlling the flow of sealing compound from a source of. supply of sealing compound. to said delivery orifices; and means for actuating said rotary valve in timed relationship with the rotation of said closure support to bring said valve into operative position. to delivery sealing compound to each of said delivery orifices for a. period of time substantially equivalent to the time required for the support to move a closure disposed. thereon a. distance quivalent to h circumferential distance between delivery orifices.

10. In a device for app ying an. annular ribbon oi sealing. compound to the. head of a container closure, the combination. of; a rotatable closure support upon which a closure to be treated may be positioned with its open side up; means for rotating said support; a sealing compound feeding device mounted above said closure support and comprising a delivery nozzle having a plurality of delivery orifices therein spaced uniformly circumferentially of the nozzle and a rotary valve for controlling. the flow of sealing compound from a source of supply of sealing compound under pressure to said delivery orifices; means for actuating said rotary valve in timed relationship with the rotation of said closure support. to bring. said valve into operative position to deliver sealing compound tosaid delivery orifices. for a period of time substantially equivalent to the time required. for the support to move a. closure disposed thereon a distance equivalent to the circumferential distance between. delivery orifices; and means for relatively moving; said closure support and feeding device to bring. said nozzle to a position closely adiacent to the head of a closure on said support during delivery of sealing compound through said nozzle.

EDISON POWERS;

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,746,396 Hothersall Feb. 11, 1930 1,998,078 F'reegard Apr. 15,. 1935 2,264,632 Gerlitzki' Dec. 2, 1941 2,287,356 Newman June 23, 1942 2,419,951 Kastel- May G, 1947 

